our story

YOUR CO-OP SINCE 1975

humble beginnings, big impact

Since 1975, our members have grown the Co-op from a grassroots buying club into one of the largest community-owned grocery stores in Canada – offering quality food, natural wellness, and everyday essentials. While the size and scope have expanded, the passion for sourcing products that are good for us and our planet has never changed.

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follow our journey

FROM THE BEGINNING

  • 1975

     

    our beginning

    It all started in the Slocan Valley back in ’75. Then known as the Vallican-Winlaw Food Co-operative (or the Buyer’s Club), your co-op was born and consisted of 20 families bulk ordering natural + organic food from Fed Up Co-op in Vancouver.

  • 1980

     

    south slocan

    The buyers’ club eventually became the Kootenay Co-op, which opened a small space in South Slocan in 1980.

  • 1985

     

    702 baker street

    Our first store location in Nelson was in the building which is now the well-known “Gerick’s Cycle” – just across the street from our current location.

  • 1991

     

    295 baker street

    In 1991 we moved to the other end of Baker Street in Nelson – now affectionately named the ‘295 location’. It was here at ‘295’ where we became the largest independent consumer-owned natural foods retail co-operative in Canada.

  • 2016

     

    777 baker street

    In December 2016 we fulfilled our biggest dream to date – designing + building our very own space from the ground up. This included a condo building built above the store and multiple commercial real estate properties at street level.  So we packed it all up and moved back to the same end of Baker Street we started on, and this is where you can find us now.  We can’t wait to see where our journey takes us from here!

your co-op difference

our true local program

Coldest night of the year

community giving

your Co-op difference

Your dollar has a massive impact on your community, and shopping local strengthens and supports our local economy. Shopping local puts community first!

Explore the Co-op Difference →

true local

Shop local and your community thrives! Shopping local builds food security and keeps your dollars where you live. Our True Local program features products made or grown within 160km of your Co-op.

Learn more about our True Local Program →

community

Our profits are your profits. If you are looking for funding for community projects or initiatives, event sponsorships, food donations or fundraising opportunities you’ve come to the right place!

See what we’ve been up to →